Moody honors veterans during Retiree Appreciation Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Even when Airmen hang up their uniforms after 20 years they still remain a part of the Air Force family.

Airmen at Moody were reconnecting with their retiree family during the annual Retiree Appreciation Week Oct. 31 to Nov. 6 to commemorate all prior service members.

"The participation from the retired community this year is amazing," said retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Ingram, 23rd Wing Retiree Affairs Office director. "We have all this great information for them."

The week's events included a golf tournament held at the Quiet Pines Golf Course Nov. 4, where retirees had the chance to compete for prizes and be the top golfer for the year.

The highlight of the week was Nov. 5, when retirees and their spouses were invited to base for a day of events, which gave them an opportunity to do a wide range of activities and learn more about the services available to them.

The events began at the Freedom I Fitness Center were all retirees were welcomed by Ingram and leaders from base.

On and off base agencies set up informational booths for attendees to visit. One of these booths included Airmen from the 23rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron who administered flu shots to any retirees that were in need of getting their shots updated.

There was a special ceremony held during the day to honor the oldest living veteran in attendance.

This year's oldest veteran was Edward Otlo, who served for 20 years in the Air Force as an air refueler and retired at the rank of master sergeant.

"I have been coming to this event since Moody first started holding this," said Otlo. "It is a real honor to be the oldest living member here and to receive this folded American flag."

The rest of the day was filled with displays from the 23rd Wing and the 93d Air Ground Operations Wing, to include aircraft displays, K-9 demonstrations and base tours.